Whatever the cause, Kelly has been notably reticent to give Kushner a security clearance. Further, Kelly and Kushner are said to be competing fiercely for influence in the White House.

By saying that he will leave Kushner’s clearance issue with Kelly, Trump is tacitly siding with Kelly against his own son-in-law. Of course, this could change at any time. Trump is nothing if not inconsistent. But, even so, this is an extremely serious matter for Kushner, who may now find his fate in the hands of one of his worst enemies.